A
My mother died in August 2005. Eight months later, I began to come out of the fog of sadness and depression to find a new purpose for my life.
Like many of my generation, I had lived only for myself—traveling, acquiring possessions, rising to a position of importance and seeking financial rewards. I was “charitable” and “volunteered” for various causes, but really didn’t give of myself.
In the spring after my mom’s death, I found myself waking in the middle of the night with one thought. I felt forced to offer myself as a living kidney donor. My husband Rob had received the gift of life through a kidney transplant(移植) from a dead donor in 1999, so I was familiar with the enormous need for donors and knew several people who were waiting for a lifesaving transplant. I decided to offer myself to be matched with the most compatible(互不排斥的) person on the waiting list at my local transplant center.
I was paired with 71-year-old Dee from New Jersey who had survived for six years on peritoneal dialysis(腹腔透析). At her 70th birthday, her family threw a big party as they did not expect her to live much longer. Dee has become my very good friend. Almost two years after the transplant, I was privileged to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband, their five children and their extended family.
In donating my kidney, I extended myself in a way far beyond what I ever believed was possible. I did so in honor of my mother who sacrificed so much for me and my sisters, and in memory of my husband’s donor who extended her 1ife through him.
I encourage all who enjoy the gift of good health to share with others, either as a living donor or by appointing organ donation upon death. By extending yourself through organ donation, you will live on through others in an extraordinary way and give comfort to your loved ones.
21. What does the underlined phrase “give of” mean?
A. Relieve. B. Devote C. Appreciate D. Forgive
22. What can we infer from Paragraph 4?
A. Dee was the author’s old friend.
B. The author attended Dee’s birthday party.
C. Dee treated the author as a family member.
D. The author’s donation made Dee live six years longer.
23. What would be the best title for this text?
A. An old lady benefited from organ donation
B. The memory of my beloved mother
C. The deep meaning of love
D. Extend yourself
